SUPERVISING ATTORNEY: JUVENILE DIVISION, BALTIMORE CITY (DISTRICT I)

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks a zealous and dedicated litigator to represent juveniles in delinquency matters in Baltimore City, Maryland. OPD provides superior representation to indigent clients throughout the State of Maryland. The Agency’s vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. Employees are committed to the core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and are united as a team in achieving the Agency’s mission.

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION

The Baltimore City Juvenile Defenders utilizes a vertical representation model to represent clients from their first court appearance through their entire case – including any and all post-disposition supervision. The position requires innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing a team-oriented environment. The Supervising Attorney working with the leadership team of the Juvenile Division, coordinates the day to day operations of Juvenile Division attorneys, social workers, and core staff. The position reports to the Chief of the Juvenile Division and is located at 300 N. Gay Street Baltimore, MD 21202 and requires travel throughout the city of Baltimore as well as familiarity with the challenges and joys of working with young people in a major American city.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works closely with the District One leadership team to maintain the highest standards of representation by ensuring accountability, fostering mentorship, and developing District-wide strategy.

• Maintain an active case load.
• Identify, assess, and cultivate talent and litigation skills amongst Juvenile Division attorneys.
• Organize and conduct regular in-house training programs.
• Ensure accountability and excellent standards of representation through regular observation, evaluation, and development
• Model a culture of excellence, resourcefulness, and zealous advocacy.
• Handle administrative matters including but not limited to managing outside contractors and conflict case matters.
• Develop strategies and means for advancing litigation and advocacy practices in the office.
• Work to identify and advocate for solutions to systemic issues – including but not limited to disproportionate minority contact with the juvenile justice system, the challenges faced by LGBTQ clients, gender-based disparities, unconstitutional police practices, the school to prison pipeline, and the immigration consequences of juvenile arrest.

• Develop collaborative strategies with social workers and core staff to assist clients and their families in matters related to housing, education, school discipline, mental health, and other collateral matters.

• Investigate, develop, and litigate novel and cutting edge Constitutional arguments in order to advance and expand the rights of young people in contact with the juvenile justice system.

TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, communication, client advocacy, supervisory, and management abilities.
• Substantial criminal litigation experience and strong trial skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive defense practice, including the ability to represent clients in juvenile, criminal, and administrative hearings.

• Knowledge, training, and experience related to adolescent development, neuroscience, education, mental health treatment, and best practices for juvenile rehabilitation.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including possessing the cultural competence necessary to collaborate with diverse stakeholder groups. Proven expertise communicating with children and adolescence strongly preferred.

• Comfort working within prisons and jails.
• Must have active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another State.

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HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this position please email to attorneyjobs@opd.state.md.us : (1) current resume, (2) cover letter, (3) list of references, and (4) completed Applicant Essay (available on our website under “Careers”). The subject line of the email should say “Supervising Attorney, Baltimore City.” Incomplete applications will not be considered.

CLOSING DATE: NOVEMBER 30, 2018

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply. Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees who serve at the pleasure of the Public Defender. Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-203(d). Assistant Public Defenders cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position.

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Individuals who are members of the Bar of another State must be admitted to the Maryland Bar within 18 months of start date.